The Cider Games

The six mares silently stepped onto the train to Canterlot. Fluttershy was sobbing loudly, and Twilight was trying to comfort her, but to no avail. Rarity was brushing her mane to calm her nerves. Pinkie Pie was bouncing around the train car, knocking things over in her excitement. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were sitting together, trying to watch the news to find out who the other six tributes were.

Chrysalis was posing as the television announcer. "Here with us we have Dr. Whooves, a stallion whose profession is unknown (a doctor, perhaps?). He was reaped after the first six who were chosen or volunteered. We also have three young fillies with us today; these two volunteered for this young filly when she was chosen, we will have their names shortly..."

Rainbow Dash tuned out for a moment. "Doctor Whooves? Can't he, like travel through time? What chance do we stand against someone like him?" she wondered.

"Shhh!" Applejack hissed. "They're about to say their names! I must say, though, if they're little fillies, we can't have much trouble picking them off..." At this comment, Fluttershy sobbed even harder.

Rainbow tuned back in.

Chrysalis continued. "...Ah yes, their names are Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and..." Applejack drew in a sharp breath. Rarity screamed and fainted, her mane forgotten. Rainbow Dash looked on in horror. Chrysalis squinted to see better. "...Oh, here we are... A young filly named Applebloom."

Next to Rainbow, Applejack covered her face with despair.

"This next tribute is most well known for her weapon of mass destruction... the bass cannon!" Chrysalis shouted as she led Vinyl Scratch into range of the camera. "And last but not least, we have a mare who is... quite out of it at the moment. Discord!" She shouted to Discord, who was waiting offset. "Where is she?" Discord promptly shrugged, then snapped his fingers. Ditzy Doo, or "Derpy", promptly appeared next to him. "Ah, yes, here we have Derpy, whose talents are completely unknown. So there you have it, folks! Our 12 tributes." The television promptly turned off, and all eyes turned to Applejack. Her eyes were contorted in fury, and her lips were pressed tightly together. The ponies sat in silence for the rest of the train ride, not motivated to move even a muscle in despair.